Ōbaniwatorizuka Tumulus

Overview

The Ōbaniwatorizuka is a square burial mound (hōfun) of the Kofun period, located in the Ōba-cho neighborhood of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Distinguished by its four-sided mound, it is one of the tumuli that make up the Yamashiro-Ōba Kofun group. Designated a National Historic Site under the name Ōbaniwatorizuka, it is known as the tomb of a powerful figure at the heart of ancient Izumo Province.

Highlights

• ●A square-shaped mound, distinct from round or keyhole tombs
• ●Its role as part of the Yamashiro-Ōba Kofun group
• ●Status as a National Historic Site designated in 1924
• ●The tomb of a powerful figure at the heart of ancient Izumo

History

Ōbaniwatorizuka is a square mound built during the Kofun period and forms an important part of the Yamashiro-Ōba Kofun group on the southern edge of Matsue. It was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1924. This area lies close to the site of the Izumo provincial capital and is believed to have been a center of political and ritual life in ancient Izumo.

Map

35.4378, 133.0856 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Travel from central Matsue toward Ōba-cho
2. 2Circle the mound and study its square form closely
3. 3Explore nearby historic sites of ancient Izumo
4. 4Return to Matsue and enjoy Izumo soba

Did you know?

💡 Long known by the unusual name niwatorizuka, meaning chicken mound, this tomb takes the four-sided square form rather than a round or keyhole shape, reflecting the variety of tomb building in ancient Izumo.

Nearby spots